MOHALI: In a significant development, Mayor Amarjit Singh Sidhu has announced that the Mohali Municipal Corporation (MC) will soon eliminate the requirement for residents to submit front and back photos of their houses when paying property tax. This decision follows concerns expressed by councillors.
The issue was raised during a recent MC House meeting, where councillors noted that many residents were hesitant to pay property tax due to the photograph requirement. Some homeowners have made changes to their properties and are waiting for approval under the need-based changes policy. They worry that submitting photos could lead to violation notices from the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA).
Acknowledging these concerns, the mayor stated that the photo submission requirement has unintentionally decreased property tax revenue. “We recognize this issue, and I will soon instruct to roll back the practice of requiring house photographs. Reports indicate that people are withholding property tax payments out of fear, resulting in considerable revenue loss for the MC,” Sidhu remarked. Official records show that the MC aimed for a property tax collection target of ₹55 crore for the 2025-26 fiscal year, but has only collected ₹46.88 crore so far, resulting in a shortfall of ₹8.12 crore—approximately a 15% deficit.
Councillor and former deputy mayor Manjit Singh Sethi expressed strong concerns during the meeting, emphasizing the importance of accountability. “Property tax is a crucial revenue source for the MC. A 15% deficit is alarming and needs a thorough investigation,” he stressed, urging the administration to hold officials accountable for this shortfall.
In response, the MC is expected to implement measures to enhance tax compliance while addressing residents’ concerns.
MC House Approves Proposals to Enhance Sanitation Staff and Regularize Workers
To address the expanding municipal limits, the Municipal Corporation (MC) House has approved several proposals aimed at strengthening civic services, including a significant increase in sanitation personnel and the regularization of long-serving workers.
During the House meeting, councillors approved an agenda to increase staffing in newly included areas, proposing the recruitment of approximately 1,000 sanitation workers, 50 sewer men, and 50 support staff. This initiative aims to ensure efficient waste management and sewer maintenance as the city’s boundaries expand.
Additionally, a significant decision was made to regularize the employment of sanitation workers and sewer men who have been hired under daily wage rates for over three years. Councillors noted that these workers have been serving the civic body for years, warranting job security and benefits.
Mayor Amarjit Singh Sidhu stated, “We will also need to hire senior-ranked officers to oversee the work of sanitation workers, sewer men, and support staff. The recruitment of SHOs, JEs, and even SEs is essential.”
Moreover, the House raised concerns regarding employee welfare, noting that workers employed since 2014 received EPF and ESI benefits until 2023, which have since been discontinued. It was recommended that these benefits be reinstated immediately.
In a further decision, the MC decided to reclaim taxi stands from deceased allottees and reallocate them through a new process to ensure proper utilization of public assets.
To boost revenue collection, councillors proposed contacting the government to expand the property tax installment scheme, making it more manageable for residents to pay their dues gradually.
Additionally, with the goal of improving governance in light of expanding municipal limits, the House suggested increasing the number of wards from the current structure to between 50 and 80 wards for better representation.
Councillors emphasized that these measures are vital for aligning infrastructure and workforce capabilities with the city’s rapid growth and improving overall service delivery.
